#thirdworldproblems

This is going to be a long one......My time in Namibia is rapidly coming to an end. I've learned more about the culture, politcs, health care system and oddly enough poverty then I could have ever imagined. Who knew I would make friends here that it would be hard to leave and make friends that I want to make my best friends for life. There have been so many moments where I have had to sit back and just think wow! I am so blessed to be me and have this life! The north taught me that poverty isn't always what we (in the developed world think it is) Some people would rather live in a hut and not have running water because it is their cultural ways. They like the fact that they are self sustaining and do not want or need things that I couldn't imagine my life without. Having just enough is plenty for them, having the stars every night is important enough for them and most importantly being surrounded by people they love is not just enough but it is plenty for them. The majority of the people here try and stay close to their traditional culture and don't let the need to modernize take away from their culture. It really is a beautiful thing. I've learned that an American can not come in and change or fix but rather find a fit in civil society. It is a young democracy and based on what I have seen it will find its footing in its own time. It doesn't need anyone to come in and fix it it's doing a pretty good job on its own. I've also gotten the great experience of learning what it is like to be a minority in a country and have new respect for people who are minorities. It made me realize our differences even more and sometimes I just wanted to be somewhere where there were other white people just so I didn't feel alone. It was a new experience being stared at for being different everywhere I went and getting asked questions based on the color of my skin. I must say I think I'm ready to blend back in with the crowd. I truly am one of the most blessed people there is I've spent my nights looking up at beautiful stars, looking at gorgeous sunsets and really everything about this place is GORGEOUS! It makes sense why no matter how hard life may get the people are still positive because they know and respect that they have beautiful land to live with. This trip has made me do something I may never have done which is step back and really understand the simple beauty that is life. Life can't be that hard for me because I have learned I have everything I could ever need.